[Vicki revised]

I was told by the local office my benefits would start 5 months from the last day I worked but in fact they were retroactive to 5 months from the date of stage 4 dx. Less than 3 wks after I applied I had a direct deposit. I only had to go to the SS office once to deliver my original docs but they could have been mailed--I just wanted to know they got them. I sent all my dr notes from initial dx and the most recent.

I never had to meet with anyone or be evaluated by anyone. I sent more than they initially requested to avoid them requesting anymore docs including a voided check for the account to receive the direct deposit and my original birth cert (they returned within a week).

I retired from my state job and receive a pension check but that had no bearing on eligibility or amount of SS check and combined they equal what I brought home before I retired. Since I am only 50 and doubt I will still be around when I turn 65 or whatever age I could otherwise receive SS I am just collecting what I paid into all those years. With all my copays and other expenses related to my BC (head coverings, bras, forms, etc) we need that income.

Redwolf: I had the same work situation as you but then when I started a short honeymoon with NED, my male good old boy dept head told me I could no longer work from home despite the fact I was still recovering from surgery and on herceptin. I decided life was too short and since I became eligible to retire after 25 yrs service, I did.


PS: you can't take a cell phone that has a camera into a federal bldg and the guards won't hold it for you either so leave it in the car.